Prioritizing communication with non network-enabled internet of things devices

ABSTRACT

An integrated GW (I-GW) can be utilized to facilitate communications with Internet of things (IoT) devices that operate without Internet protocol (IP) addresses, based on assigned preferences and/or priority. In one aspect, the I-GW can efficiently deliver existing services for various types of IoT devices (e.g., that support different non-IP protocols) and can create emerging applications across different vertical applications. Further, the I-GW can leverage mobility network elements to authenticate, prioritize connections, and/or enable data orchestration via underlying software defined network (SDN)-enabled capabilities and/or infrastructure services. By utilizing IoT devices that do not have IP stacks, a cost and/or size of the IoT devices can be decreased and battery life can be significantly extended.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject disclosure relates to wireless communications, e.g., asystem and method that prioritizes communication with nonnetwork-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

BACKGROUND

Wireless communications and electronic end devices have been growing ata very fast pace. In addition, the variation of different types of enddevice is also rapidly increasing. For example, the different types ofnon-traditional end devices, such as monitoring machine to machine (M2M)and/or Internet of things (IoT) devices continue to grow. M2M/IoT hold agreat promise for the future of a global communications industry. Withprojections anywhere from twenty billion to a hundred billion connectedthings (e.g., machines) by the year 2020, the IoT affects variousindustries, organizations, companies, and service providers that createthe IoT devices, network infrastructure solutions, and end users.Delivering a successful and cost-effective consumer as well asenterprise IoT solutions with a complex connectivity model can poseseveral challenges.

Conventional IoT devices include an internet protocol (IP) stack forcommunication with their respective application servers. However, theinclusion of the IP stack within the IoT devices can significantlyincrease device costs and/or size, as well as increase batteryconsumption and processing power.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system that facilitates communication withInternet of Things (IoT) devices that operate without Internet protocol(IP) addresses.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example system for end point discovery, inaccordance with an aspect of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example system that facilitates network-basedauthentication of end point devices that do not utilize an IP address.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example system that leverages a software-definednetwork (SDN) controller to facilitate communication with IoT devicesthat do not support IP addressing.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example system that comprises a situation-awaregateway for implementing IoT services.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example system that facilitate automating one ormore features in accordance with the subject embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example method that facilitates auto-detection ofend point protocols.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example method that facilitates communication withIoT devices that do not operate using IP addresses.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example method that facilitates creation ofemerging applications across different vertical applications.

FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a computer operable to executethe disclosed communication architecture.

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a computing environmentin accordance with the subject specification

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments are now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to likeelements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It may be evident,however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without thesespecific details, e.g., without applying to any particular networkedenvironment or standard. In other instances, well-known structures anddevices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitatedescribing the embodiments in additional detail.

As used in this application, the terms “component,” “module,” “system,”“interface,” “node,” “platform,” “server,” “controller,” “entity,”“element,” “gateway,” or the like are generally intended to refer to acomputer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution or an entity related to anoperational machine with one or more specific functionalities. Forexample, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a processrunning on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a threadof execution, computer-executable instruction(s), a program, and/or acomputer. By way of illustration, both an application running on acontroller and the controller can be a component. One or more componentsmay reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a componentmay be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. As another example, an interface can comprise input/output(I/O) components as well as associated processor, application, and/orAPI components.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement one or moreaspects of the disclosed subject matter. An article of manufacture canencompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readabledevice or computer-readable storage/communications media. For example,computer readable storage media can comprise but are not limited tomagnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips. . . ), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk(DVD) . . . ), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick,key drive . . . ). Of course, those skilled in the art will recognizemany modifications can be made to this configuration without departingfrom the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the word “example” or “exemplary” is used herein to meanserving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or designdescribed herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use ofthe word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concretefashion. As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to meanan inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unlessspecified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” isintended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, ifX employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs Aor B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition,the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appendedclaims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unlessspecified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singularform.

Moreover, terms like “user equipment,” “communication device,” “mobiledevice,” “mobile station,” and similar terminology, refer to a wired orwireless communication-capable device utilized by a subscriber or userof a wired or wireless communication service to receive or convey data,control, voice, video, sound, gaming, or substantially any data-streamor signaling-stream. The foregoing terms are utilized interchangeably inthe subject specification and related drawings. Data and signalingstreams can be packetized or frame-based flows. Further, the terms“user,” “subscriber,” “consumer,” “customer,” and the like are employedinterchangeably throughout the subject specification, unless contextwarrants particular distinction(s) among the terms. It should be notedthat such terms can refer to human entities or automated componentssupported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacity to makeinference based on complex mathematical formalisms), which can providesimulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

Aspects or features of the disclosed subject matter can be exploited insubstantially any wired or wireless communication technology; e.g.,Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wi-Fi, WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), General Packet RadioService (GPRS), Enhanced GPRS, Third Generation Partnership Project(3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE), Third Generation Partnership Project 2(3GPP2) Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA),Zigbee, or another IEEE 802.XX technology, Fifth generation (5G), etc.Additionally, substantially all aspects of the disclosed subject mattercan be exploited in legacy (e.g., wireline) telecommunicationtechnologies.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical devices, vehicles,home appliances, and other items embedded with electronics, software,sensors, actuators, and connectivity, which enables these devices toconnect and exchange data. In recent years, there has been an explosivegrowth in the different types of IoT devices (e.g., devices that employdifferent communication protocols). Oftentimes, each type of the IoTdevices can have their own gateway that can enable a single/individualvertical service/application (e.g., such as temperature monitors andcontroller, home security, smart light switches, etc.).

The systems and methods disclosed herein, in one or more non-limitingembodiments, enable simple end devices that operate without Internetprotocol (IP) addresses, to communicate, based on preferences and/orpriority, with an external device (e.g., outside of a home and/orenterprise) by employing an integrated gateway (I-GW) that supportsvarious types of protocols. In one aspect, the I-GW facilitates anefficient delivery of existing services for various types of end devices(e.g., that do not have IP addresses) and creation of emergingapplications across different vertical applications. Further, the I-GWcan leverage existing mobility network elements to performauthentication, prioritize connections, and/or enable data orchestrationvia underlying software defined network (SDN)-enabled capabilitiesand/or infrastructure services. By utilizing IoT devices that do nothave IP stacks, a cost and/or size of the IoT devices can be decreasedand battery life can be extended.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, there illustrated is an example system100 that facilitates communication with IoT devices that operate withoutIP addresses, according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subjectmatter. In one aspect, an integrated gateway (I-GW) 102 can be utilizedto efficiently deliver existing services for various types of endpoint(s) 104 that do not have IP addresses and to create emergingapplications across multiple vertical services. As an example, endpoint(s) 104 can comprise M2M and/or IoT devices such as, but notlimited to, most any LTE-based appliance, machine, device, securitysystem, home automation system, automated vehicle and/or at leastpartially automated vehicle (e.g., drones), etc. Further, M2M and/or IoTdevices can comprise one or more sensors and/or a radio-frequencyidentification (RFID) reader, and are typically employed for automateddata transmission and/or measurement between mechanical and/orelectronic devices. It is noted that the end point(s) 104 can be mobile,have limited mobility and/or be stationary. In one example, the endpoint(s) 104 can be deployed within a customer premises (e.g., a home,enterprise, office, store, factory, etc.). Typically, the end point(s)104 and the I-GW 102 can be commonly owned by a user (and/or beassociated with a common user account).

Typically, the end point(s) 104 can have different characteristics thanregular user equipments (UEs) (e.g., non-M2M/IoT devices, such as smartphones, tablet computers, personal computers, etc.). For example,regular UEs are generally are always on and performing multipleapplications at any given time. Thus, regular UEs need always-onconnectivity with a network. However, the network connectivity and/orcommunication characteristics of IoT devices vary based on applicationsand/or industry. Generally, in one aspect, a large portion of IoTdevices is not continuously on. For example, a connected-utility meteris not coupled to the network and/or communicating with the network allday; however, a connected-medical device (e.g., a magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI) scanner, X-ray machine, and/or a critical medicaldiagnostic equipment connected to a patient) can be continuously on(e.g., frequently communicating via the network). In another aspect, thesame IoT device may change its communication/connectivitycharacteristics at different times and/or locations. For example,connected cars can be intermittently on, depending on whether the driveris in the car or the car is parked in a lot. Moreover, IoT devices havenon-uniform and oftentimes unpredictable traffic patterns.

The battery life of the IoT devices for transmitting and processing datais a very important factor in implementation of IoT devices for a rangeof applications. To extend battery life and reduce costs (and/or size,complexity, etc.), the end point(s) 104 can exclude an IP stack. As anexample, end point(s) 104 can communicate via various other protocols(e.g., Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, serial ports (for example, RS-232),Ethernet, message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT), etc.) that utilizenon-IP addressing schemes, such as, but not limited to, 64-bit IEEEaddresses, media access control (MAC) type non-IP addresses, abbreviatedtype non-IP addresses, etc.

According to an aspect, the end point(s) 104 and their respectiveapplication servers 106 (e.g., a third-party application server of aservice provider and/or device manufacturer) can communicate with eachother via the I-GW 102. As an example, the I-GW 102 can download (e.g.,dynamically) the protocols utilized by the end point(s) 104 to enablethe communication between the application servers 106 and the endpoint(s) 104. Further, in an aspect, the I-GW 102 can leverage amobility network 108 for authentication, prioritization, and/or dataorchestration, for example, by employing underlying SDN-enabledcapabilities and infrastructure services of the mobility network 108(e.g., cellular network). Furthermore, in another aspect, the I-GW 102can enable additional emerging applications across many verticalapplications, for example, based on subscriber preferences and/orpolicies, manufacturer preferences and/or policies, service providerpreferences and/or policies, etc. For example, the I-GW 102 canfacilitate creation of a personal in-home experience by adjusting thelight and/or temperature to a first setting when a subscriber isdetermined to be watching the Super bowl and a second setting when thesubscriber is determined to be sleeping.

As an example, the I-GW 102 can be deployed at a customer's premises(e.g., a home, office, enterprise, warehouse, hotel, store, factory,automation plant, connected vehicle, etc.) and can comprise a subscriberidentity module (SIM) and/or soft SIM to facilitate authentication andcommunicate with the mobility network 108. In one aspect, utilization ofthe I-GW 102 can allow utilization of end point(s) 104 that operatewithout an IP stack to extend battery life. Further, the I-GW 102 canprovide efficient connectivity of end point(s) 104 in the network acrossseveral industry verticals leading to new business models and/oremerging applications that were not possible with conventional systems.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there illustrated is an example system 200 forend point discovery, in accordance with an aspect of the subjectdisclosure. It is noted that the I-GW 102 can comprise functionality asmore fully described herein, for example, as described above with regardto system 100. Further, IoT device 202 can be substantially similar toend point(s) 104 and can comprise functionality as more fully describedherein, for example, as described above with regard to end point(s) 104.

Initially, when a new device, for example, IoT device 202 isprovisioned, activated, and/or powered on, a discovery component 204 canbe utilized to auto-detect a protocol (e.g., a non-IP protocol) that theIoT device 202 is running and optionally, one or more capabilitiesand/or functions of the IoT device 202. Additionally, or alternatively,the I-GW 102 can initiate the end point discovery process (e.g., viadiscovery component 204), for example, during provisioning, initialsetup, periodically, in response to an event, on-demand, etc. As anexample, the IoT device 202 can comprise one or more sensingcapabilities (e.g., camera, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, motionsensor, etc.) and/or control functions (e.g., controlling valves,switches, other devices, etc.). The protocol and/or capabilityinformation for each IoT device (e.g., IoT device 202) coupled to theI-GW 102 can be stored within a data store 206. In one aspect, a usercan trigger the I-GW 102 to add the capabilities and/or functions as avalue-added service (VAS).

According to an embodiment, the I-GW 102 can comprise a protocol layer,a translation layer, and an IP layer. For a newly detected IoT device(e.g., IoT device 202), the I-GW 102 can update the protocol layer withthe new protocol supported by the new IoT device. Moreover, the I-GW 102can download the protocol from the device manufacturer's and/or serviceprovider's website (e.g., via communication with the web server over themobility network 108). The protocol can then be utilized to facilitatecommunication between the I-GW 102 and the IoT device 202. As anexample, the protocol can be stored within a protocol library, forexample, within the data store 206. It is noted that the data store 206can comprise volatile memory(s) or nonvolatile memory(s), or can includeboth volatile and nonvolatile memory(s). Examples of suitable types ofvolatile and non-volatile memory are described below with reference toFIG. 10. The memory (e.g., data stores, databases) of the subjectsystems and methods is intended to include, without being limited to,these and any other suitable types of memory.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there illustrated is an example system 300 thatfacilitates network-based authentication of end point devices that donot utilize an IP address, in accordance with an aspect of the subjectdisclosure. It is noted that the I-GW 102 and IoT device 202 cancomprise functionality as more fully described herein, for example, asdescribed above with regard to systems 100 and 200.

Subsequent to a discovery (and/or negotiation) process that is utilizedby the I-GW 102 to detect the IoT device 202, the I-GW 102 can message(e.g., wirelessly) an access point (AP) 302 (e.g., eNodeB (eNB), homenodeB (HNB), etc.) of a radio access network (e.g., of mobility network108). For example, an attach message can be transmitted by the I-GW 102to couple to the RAN AP 302. Moreover, the RAN AP 302 can forward themessage to a SDN controller (not shown) of a SDN 304 within the mobilenetwork. The SDN controller can forward the attach message to a networkdata store, for example, a home subscriber server (HSS) 306 forauthentication. According to an aspect, data (e.g., international mobilesubscriber identity (IMSI), authentication triplets, etc.) from the SIM308 of the I-GW 102 can be utilized to facilitate the authentication andsecure the I-GW 102. Additionally, or optionally, on successfulauthentication, the HSS 306 can provide, to the I-GW 102, apreconfigured user profile that comprises preferences and/or policiesdefined by a user of the I-GW 102. Further, in one aspect, the HSS 306can also provide an additional security key to improve the securitylevel and provide priority status data (e.g., standard priority orpreferred priority) prioritization for the IoT communication. Moreover,the I-GW 102 can utilize the received information received from the HSS306 to facilitate IoT communication between the IoT device 202 and anapplication server (e.g., application server(s) 106) and/or facilitateimplementation of value-added and/or managed services.

According to an embodiment, the architecture disclosed in system 300 canfacilitate application of network functions virtualization (NFV) and/orSDN technologies. NFV can virtualize network services that have beenconventionally carried out by proprietary, dedicated hardware/softwareand instead host the network services on one or more virtual machines(VMs). Using NFV, network service providers do not need to purchaseproprietary/dedicated hardware devices to enable a service. NFV canimprove scalability and flexibility and network capacity can easily beadjusted through software, resulting in reduced capital expenses and/oroperating expenses. NFV and SDN are different technologies butcomplementary. SDN architectures decouple or disassociate networkcontrol (e.g., control plane) and forwarding (e.g., data plane)functions. This allows for dynamic, programmable, and/or scalablecomputing and storage. The SDN architecture can be at least (i) directlyprogrammable; (ii) agile; (iii) centrally managed; (iv) programmaticallyconfigured; and/or (v) open standards-based and vendor-neutral.

In one example, the mobility network in system 300 can comprise 5Gand/or other next generation networks that provide enhanced mobilebroadband, for example, ultra high bandwidth (e.g., 20 Gbps), highspectral efficiency (e.g., 3.5× of LTE), ultra dense networks, and/orenergy efficiency. Further, the 5G networks can provide ultra-reliable(e.g., high reliability greater than 99.999%) and low latencycommunications (e.g., ultra low latency of −1 msec and/or low networkaccess and synchronization time). Furthermore, the 5G networks canfacilitate massive machine type communication (e.g., ultra high density(10⁶/sq km), long battery life (10 years+), high system gain (betterthan narrow band-IoT and/or more efficient than narrow band-IoT).

Referring now to FIG. 4, there illustrated is an example system 400 thatleverages a SDN controller to facilitate communication with IoT devicesthat do not support IP addressing, according to an aspect of the subjectdisclosure. It is noted that the I-GW 102, end point(s) 104, applicationserver(s) 108, AP 302, SDN 304, and HSS 306, can comprise functionalityas more fully described herein, for example, as described above withregard to systems 100-300. Although system 400 has been described withrespect to a 5G network, it is noted that the subject disclosure is notlimited to 5G networks and can utilize most any mobility network.

Once the I-GW 102 has been authenticated by the HSS 306, the I-GW 102can facilitate IoT communication. For example, a translation component402 can be utilized to map non-IP packets received from the end point(s)104 to IP packets that are to be transmitted to the applicationserver(s) 108 (and/or vice versa) via the mobility network. In oneaspect, the translation component 402 can utilize an IP address poolallocated to the I-GW 102 by a network device (e.g., the SDN controller404) of the mobility network. It is noted that the I-GW 102 is notlimited to mapping between non-IP packets and IP packets, and thetranslation component 402 can be utilized to map text messaging (e.g., acommand for switching a light switch on/off), received from a messagingserver (not shown) of the mobility network, to the non-IP packetstransmitted to the end point(s) 104. As an example, a user can send atext message (e.g., short messaging service (SMS), instant message,multimedia messaging service (MMS), etc.) to a phone number associatedwith the SIM of the I-GW 102. Typically, the text message can compriseinstructions to control the end point(s) 104 and/or to request statusupdates from the end point(s) 104. Optionally, a native identifier (ID)and/or port number associated with the end point(s) 104 can be embeddedin the IP header extension field and/or in the text message. In oneaspect, the I-GW 102 can then utilize the native ID and/or port numberto deliver the data/packets to the target end point.

Typically, when an IP message is sent to a destination, it includes asource IP address and destination IP address. However, in the abovescenario, messages directed to the end point(s) 104 are addressed to theIP address of the I-GW 102. On receiving the messages, the translationcomponent 402 can analyze the message to determine the destination IoTdevice (e.g., end point(s) 104), transform (e.g., reassembles) themessage to adhere to a protocol supported by the IoT device, and conveythe transformed message to the IoT device. If the I-GW 102 receives aresponse from the IoT device, the translation component 402 cantransform the response back to adhere to the IP protocol and transfer itto the sender.

In an aspect, local communication can be performed by the I-GW 102 tofacilitate communication between two or more of the end points 104without directing data to the mobility network. Moreover, once the endpoints 104 have registered with the I-GW 102 (e.g., during anauto-discovery process), the I-GW 102 is aware of capabilities and/orservice levels for the end points and can adhere to those policiesduring the communication. As an example, if the end points 104 supportdifferent protocols, the translation component 402 can facilitatemapping between the protocols to facilitate the communication. It isnoted that in some example scenarios, if service levels are increased(e.g., value-added service), at least a portion of the communication canbe routed via the mobility network. For example, the end point 104 cancomprise a door sensor that can be used to sense if door is open orclosed (e.g., as its core/basic service). If determined that the doorsensor has additional capabilities, for example, a temperature and/orhumidity sensor, a user can trigger the I-GW 102 to add the temperatureand/or humidity sensing as a value-added service. Additionally, oroptionally, the user can employ the service provider's website to havethe value-added service pushed to the I-GW 102. It is noted that thesubject disclosure is not limited to value-added services and thatdifferent service levels (e.g., basic service level, enhanced level andmanaged service level) can be implemented.

In one embodiment, the service providers can be provided with anapplication programming interface (API) that can be utilized tocommunicate with their devices (e.g., push a firmware update). Thecommunication is routed through the I-GW 102, which can have its ownsecurity and/or policies to allow or deny the communication.

In one aspect, a SDN controller 404 can provide a routing functionwithin the service delivery network between the service deliveryentry/exit point (e.g., eNB), for example, by employing end pointnetwork IP address, and can configure the forwarding elements (e.g.,elements within the core mobility network 406, service enabler (SE) 408that is utilized for third-party service, etc.) of the service deliverynetwork. The SDN controller 404 can determine the services that areavailable to a user and a service level agreement (SLA) with user, andbased on the determined information can dynamically control (increase ordecrease) the service level based on user preferences (e.g., storedwithin the HSS 306). As an example, for a camera of a security systeminstalled within a house, the user preference can specify that anenhanced service (e.g., upload every recorded frame to a cloud device)be employed when the user is not within the house and a basic service(e.g., upload recorded frames only when motion is detected) be employedwhen the user is within the house. Moreover, the SDN controller 404 canimplement these preferences by controlling the entities such as, but notlimited to, repositories, backhaul transport, etc., of the mobilitynetwork. Basically, system 400 enables service providers and/or user tocommunicate with the end point(s) 104 as though they were operating afull processing/stack capability.

FIG. 5 illustrated an example system 500 that comprises asituation-aware gateway for implementing IoT services, according to anaspect of the subject disclosure. It is noted that the I-GW 102 and thedata store 206 can comprise functionality as more fully describedherein, for example, as described above with regard to systems 100-400.Moreover, the I-GW can have added intelligence to implement IoT servicesand/or applications that adhere to preference and/or policy data 502,for example, defined by a user, service provider, IoT devicemanufacturer, mobility network operator, etc.

In one aspect, a network connectivity component 504 can monitor aconnection between the I-GW 102 and a mobility network (e.g., via RAN AP302). If the network connectivity component 504 determines that theconnection satisfies a defined criterion, for example, the I-GW 102 iscurrently connected to the RAN AP and/or the connection speed,bandwidth, throughput, signal strength, etc. is above a definedthreshold, etc., then the I-GW 102 can typically, receive triggersand/or instructions from the user and/or application server(s) 108 forfacilitating IoT application and/or services with the end point(s) 104.Alternatively, if the network connectivity component 504 determines thatthe connection does not satisfies the defined criterion, for example,the I-GW 102 has lost connection to the RAN AP and/or the connectionspeed, bandwidth, throughput, signal strength, etc. is above a definedthreshold, etc., then application instantiation component 506 caninstantiate a situation-aware IoT application/service that is defined bythe preference and/or policy data 502. For example, for an I-GW 102 thatis deployed within a remote area, such as an oil rig, the I-GW 102 caninstantiate a new situation-aware application within the gateway tocomplement the network provided information in response to determiningthat a backhaul link is lost (e.g., due to extreme weather). In thisexample scenario, the application/service can be a fire-awareapplication/service that closes specified valves when a fire isdetected. Moreover, once network connectivity is resumed, theapplication/service can be canceled and default gateway functions can beresumed (e.g., wherein the service provider controls situation-awareapplications/services)

Referring now to FIG. 6, there illustrated is an example system 600 thatemploys an artificial intelligence (AI) component 602 to facilitateautomating one or more features in accordance with the subjectembodiments. It can be noted that the I-GW 102, discovery component 204,data store 206, translation component 402, network connectivitycomponent 504, and application instantiation component 506 can comprisefunctionality as more fully described herein, for example, as describedabove with regard to systems 100-500. Although, the AI component 602 isdepicted to reside within the I-GW 102, it is noted that the subjectdisclosure is not that limited and that at least a portion the AIcomponent 602 can be locally and/or remotely coupled to the I-GW 102.

In an example embodiment, system 600 (e.g., in connection withcontrolling service levels) can employ various AI-based schemes (e.g.,intelligent processing/analysis, machine learning, etc.) for carryingout various aspects thereof. For example, a process for determiningservice attributes, user preferences, which services/application toinstantiate, and/or update, whether to increase or decrease a servicelevel, etc. can be facilitated via an automatic classifier systemimplemented by the AI component 602. Moreover, the AI component 602 canexploit various AI methods and/or machine learning methods. Artificialintelligence techniques can typically apply advanced mechanisms—e.g.,decision trees, neural networks, regression analysis, principalcomponent analysis (PCA) for feature and pattern extraction, clusteranalysis, genetic algorithm, or reinforced learning—to a data set. Inparticular, the AI component 602 can employ one of numerousmethodologies for learning from data and then drawing inferences fromthe models so constructed. For example, Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) andrelated prototypical dependency models can be employed. Generalprobabilistic graphical models, such as Dempster-Shafer networks andBayesian networks like those created by structure search using aBayesian model score or approximation can also be utilized. In addition,linear classifiers, such as support vector machines (SVMs), non-linearclassifiers like methods referred to as “neural network” methodologies,fuzzy logic methodologies can also be employed.

As will be readily appreciated from the subject specification, anexample embodiment can employ classifiers that are explicitly trained(e.g., via a generic training data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g.,via observing device/operator preferences, historical information,receiving extrinsic information, type of service, type of device, etc.).For example, SVMs can be configured via a learning or training phasewithin a classifier constructor and feature selection module. Thus, theclassifier(s) of AI component 602 can be used to automatically learn andperform a number of functions, comprising but not limited to determiningaccording to one or more predetermined criteria, service type andattributes, an optimized service level, a time period during which theapplication/service is to be executed, etc. The criteria can comprise,but is not limited to, historical patterns and/or trends, user and/ornetwork operator preferences and/or policies, application/serviceprovider preferences, predicted traffic flows, event data, latency data,reliability/availability data, current time/date, location data,performance and/or load data, and the like.

FIGS. 7-8 illustrate flow diagrams and/or methods in accordance with thedisclosed subject matter. For simplicity of explanation, the flowdiagrams and/or methods are depicted and described as a series of acts.It is to be understood and noted that the various embodiments are notlimited by the acts illustrated and/or by the order of acts, for exampleacts can occur in various orders and/or concurrently, and with otheracts not presented and described herein. Furthermore, not allillustrated acts may be required to implement the flow diagrams and/ormethods in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. In addition,those skilled in the art will understand and note that the methods couldalternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states via astate diagram or events. Additionally, it should be further noted thatthe methods disclosed hereinafter and throughout this specification arecapable of being stored on an article of manufacture to facilitatetransporting and transferring such methods to computers. The termarticle of manufacture, as used herein, is intended to encompass acomputer program accessible from any computer-readable device orcomputer-readable storage/communications media.

Referring now to FIG. 7 there illustrated is an example method 700 thatfacilitates auto-detection of end point protocols, according to anaspect of the subject disclosure. As an example, method 700 can beimplemented by a gateway device (e.g., I-GW 102) of a deployed within acustomer premises. At 702, an IoT device that is deployed within thecustomer premises (and/or that is associated with a user account) can bedetected (e.g., by employing an auto-detection and/or auto-negotiationprocess). It is noted that the IoT device does not comprise an IP stack.At 704, a non-IP protocol supported by the IoT device can be determined.As an example, the non-IP protocol can comprise, but is not limited to,a Zigbee protocol, a Bluetooth protocol, a MQTT protocol, etc. Further,at 706, one or more capabilities (and/or functions) of the IoT devicescan be determined. As an example, a record comprising the supportedprotocols and/or capabilities can be generated for the IoT and storedwithin the gateway device.

At 708, the non-IP protocol can be downloaded from a web serverassociated with a manufacturer and/or service provider associated withthe IoT device, for example, via a mobility network. Further, at 710, atranslation of non-IP protocol data and IP data can be facilitated toenable IoT communication to/from the IoT device.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example method 800 that facilitates communicationwith IoT devices that do not operate using IP addresses, according to anaspect of the subject disclosure. As an example, method 800 can beimplemented by a gateway device (e.g., I-GW 102) that is deployed withina customer premises and that comprises a SIM card that is utilized foraccessing a mobility network. At 802, non-IP communication data can bereceived from an IoT device deployed with the customer premises. At 804,it can be determined that the non-IP communication data is directed to adestination device that is external to customer premises. In response tothe determination, the gateway device can couple to the mobility networkand facilitate authentication via the mobility network (e.g., byemploying the information stored within the SIM card).

At 808, on successful authentication, the non-IP communication data canbe converted to IP data packets. As an example, an IP address poolallocated to the gateway device by a network device (e.g., SDNcontroller) of the mobility network can be utilized for the conversion.It is noted that the subject disclosure is not limited to converting thenon-IP communication data to IP data packets, and the non-IPcommunication data can be converted to a text message (e.g., SMS, MMS,instant message, etc.) that can be sent to a text messaging server.Further, at 810, the IP data packets can be directed to the destinationdevice via the mobility network, based on a routing function configuredby the SDN controller.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example method 900 that facilitates creation ofemerging applications across different vertical applications, accordingto an aspect of the subject disclosure. As an example, method 900 can beimplemented by one or more network devices of a communication network(e.g., cellular network). At 902, one or more services that areavailable to a user can be determined. At 904, a SLA associated with theuser can be determined. Further, at 906, user preference data, storedwithin a subscriber profile (e.g., stored within the HSS), can beanalyzed. Furthermore, at 908 a service level can be dynamicallycontrolled based on the analysis. For example, a basic service level, anenhanced service level (e.g., value-added service level), or a managedservice level can be selected. Based on the dynamic selection, emergingapplications across many vertical applications can be instantiated.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputer 1002 operable to execute the disclosed communicationarchitecture. In order to provide additional context for various aspectsof the disclosed subject matter, FIG. 10 and the following discussionare intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitablecomputing environment 1000 in which the various aspects of thespecification can be implemented. While the specification has beendescribed above in the general context of computer-executableinstructions that can run on one or more computers, those skilled in theart will recognize that the specification also can be implemented incombination with other program modules and/or as a combination ofhardware and software.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will note thatthe inventive methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

The illustrated aspects of the specification can also be practiced indistributed computing environments where certain tasks are performed byremote processing devices that are linked through a communicationsnetwork. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can belocated in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structureddata, or unstructured data. Computer-readable storage media cancomprise, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory orother memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or other tangible and/ornon-transitory media which can be used to store desired information.Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any informationdelivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signalsrefers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediacomprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF),infrared and other wireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 10, the example environment 1000 forimplementing various aspects of the specification comprises a computer1002, the computer 1002 comprising a processing unit 1004, a systemmemory 1006 and a system bus 1008. As an example, the component(s),application(s) server(s), equipment, system(s), module(s) interface(s),gateway(s), controller(s), node(s), entity(ies), function(s), cloud(s),point(s), and/or device(s) (e.g., I-GW 102, end point(s) 104,application server(s) 106, IoT device 202, RAN AP 302, HSS 306,translation component 402, SDN controller 404, SE 408, networkconnectivity component 504, application instantiation component 506, AIcomponent 602, etc.) disclosed herein with respect to systems 100-600can each comprise at least a portion of the computer 1002. The systembus 1008 couples system components comprising, but not limited to, thesystem memory 1006 to the processing unit 1004. The processing unit 1004can be any of various commercially available processors. Dualmicroprocessors and other multi-processor architectures can also beemployed as the processing unit 1004.

The system bus 1008 can be any of several types of bus structure thatcan further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 1006comprises read-only memory (ROM) 1010 and random access memory (RAM)1012. A basic input/output system (BIOS) is stored in a non-volatilememory 1010 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basicroutines that help to transfer information between elements within thecomputer 1002, such as during startup. The RAM 1012 can also comprise ahigh-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 1002 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD)1014, which internal hard disk drive 1014 can also be configured forexternal use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy diskdrive (FDD) 1016, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette1018) and an optical disk drive 1020, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 1022or, to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such asthe DVD). The hard disk drive 1014, magnetic disk drive 1016 and opticaldisk drive 1020 can be connected to the system bus 1008 by a hard diskdrive interface 1024, a magnetic disk drive interface 1026 and anoptical drive interface 1028, respectively. The interface 1024 forexternal drive implementations comprises at least one or both ofUniversal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interface technologies. Otherexternal drive connection technologies are within contemplation of thesubject disclosure.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 1002, the drives andstorage media accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digitalformat. Although the description of computer-readable storage mediaabove refers to a HDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a removableoptical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be noted by those skilledin the art that other types of storage media which are readable by acomputer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards,solid-state disks (SSD), cartridges, and the like, can also be used inthe example operating environment, and further, that any such storagemedia can contain computer-executable instructions for performing themethods of the specification.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 1012,comprising an operating system 1030, one or more application programs1032, other program modules 1034 and program data 1036. All or portionsof the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 1012. It is noted that the specification can beimplemented with various commercially available operating systems orcombinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 1002 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 1038 and/or apointing device, such as a mouse 1040 or a touchscreen or touchpad (notillustrated). These and other input devices are often connected to theprocessing unit 1004 through an input device interface 1042 that iscoupled to the system bus 1008, but can be connected by otherinterfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394 serial port, a gameport, a USB port, an infrared (IR) interface, etc. A monitor 1044 orother type of display device is also connected to the system bus 1008via an interface, such as a video adapter 1046.

The computer 1002 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1048. The remotecomputer(s) 1048 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallycomprises many or all of the elements described relative to the computer1002, although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device1050 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprisewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 1052 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 1054. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1002 isconnected to the local network 1052 through a wired and/or wirelesscommunication network interface or adapter 1056. The adapter 1056 canfacilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 1052, which canalso comprise a wireless access point disposed thereon for communicatingwith the wireless adapter 1056.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1002 cancomprise a modem 1058, or is connected to a communications server on theWAN 1054, or has other means for establishing communications over theWAN 1054, such as by way of the Internet. The modem 1058, which can beinternal or external and a wired or wireless device, is connected to thesystem bus 1008 via the serial port interface 1042. In a networkedenvironment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 1002, orportions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device1050. It will be noted that the network connections shown are exampleand other means of establishing a communications link between thecomputers can be used.

The computer 1002 is operable to communicate with any wireless devicesor entities operatively disposed in wireless communication, e.g.,desktop and/or portable computer, server, communications satellite, etc.This comprises at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth™ wireless technologies orother communication technologies. Thus, the communication can be apredefined structure as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoccommunication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity networks use radio technologies called IEEE802.11 (a, b, g, n, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, fast wirelessconnectivity. A Wi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to eachother, to the Internet, and to wired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 orEthernet). Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radiobands, at an 11 Mbps (802.11a) or 54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, forexample, or with products that contain both bands (dual band), so thenetworks can provide real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseTwired Ethernet networks used in many offices.

As it employed in the subject specification, the term “processor” canrefer to substantially any computing processing unit or devicecomprising, but not limited to comprising, single-core processors;single-processors with software multithread execution capability;multi-core processors; multi-core processors with software multithreadexecution capability; multi-core processors with hardware multithreadtechnology; parallel platforms; and parallel platforms with distributedshared memory. Additionally, a processor can refer to an integratedcircuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digitalsignal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), aprogrammable logic controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device(CPLD), a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardwarecomponents, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functionsdescribed herein. Processors can exploit nano-scale architectures suchas, but not limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based transistors,switches and gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhanceperformance of user equipment. A processor may also be implemented as acombination of computing processing units.

In the subject specification, terms such as “data store,” data storage,”“database,” “cache,” and substantially any other information storagecomponent relevant to operation and functionality of a component, referto “memory components,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or componentscomprising the memory. It will be noted that the memory components, orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory. By way of illustration, and not limitation,nonvolatile memory can comprise read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM(PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM(EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can comprise random accessmemory (RAM), which acts as external cache memory. By way ofillustration and not limitation, RAM is available in many forms such assynchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM),double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), SynchlinkDRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).

Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methodsherein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising,these and any other suitable types of memory.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is illustrated a schematic block diagramof a computing environment 1100 in accordance with the subjectspecification. The system 1100 comprises one or more client(s) 1102. Theclient(s) 1102 can be hardware and/or software (e.g., threads,processes, computing devices).

The system 1100 also comprises one or more server(s) 1104. The server(s)1104 can also be hardware and/or software (e.g., threads, processes,computing devices). The servers 1104 can house threads to performtransformations by employing the specification, for example. Onepossible communication between a client 1102 and a server 1104 can be inthe form of a data packet adapted to be transmitted between two or morecomputer processes. The data packet may comprise a cookie and/orassociated contextual information, for example. The system 1100comprises a communication framework 1106 (e.g., a global communicationnetwork such as the Internet, cellular network, etc.) that can beemployed to facilitate communications between the client(s) 1102 and theserver(s) 1104.

Communications can be facilitated via a wired (comprising optical fiber)and/or wireless technology. The client(s) 1102 are operatively connectedto one or more client data store(s) 1108 that can be employed to storeinformation local to the client(s) 1102 (e.g., cookie(s) and/orassociated contextual information). Similarly, the server(s) 1104 areoperatively connected to one or more server data store(s) 1110 that canbe employed to store information local to the servers 1104.

What has been described above comprises examples of the presentspecification. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methods for purposes ofdescribing the present specification, but one of ordinary skill in theart may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of thepresent specification are possible. Accordingly, the presentspecification is intended to embrace all such alterations, modificationsand variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “comprises” is used ineither the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended tobe inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A gateway device, comprising: a processor; and amemory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by theprocessor, facilitate performance of operations, comprising: in responseto determining that an Internet of things device has been deployedwithin a customer premises, receiving protocol data associated with acommunication protocol supported by the Internet of things device,wherein the protocol data is received from a web server associated withthe Internet of things device, via a network device of a mobilitynetwork, and wherein the Internet of things device does not comprise aninternet protocol stack; and based on the protocol data, facilitating acommunication between the Internet of things device and a communicationdevice, wherein the communication is facilitated in response to asubscriber identity module based authentication that authorizes thegateway device to access the mobility network.
 2. The gateway device ofclaim 1, wherein the facilitating comprises translating non-internetprotocol data packets, received from the Internet of things device, tointernet protocol data packets that are to be transmitted to thecommunication device via the network device.
 3. The gateway device ofclaim 2, wherein the translating comprises translating the non-internetprotocol data packets to the internet protocol data packets based on aninternet protocol address pool allocated by a controller device of themobility network.
 4. The gateway device of claim 1, wherein thefacilitating the communication comprises facilitating the communicationbased on user preference data stored within a data store of the mobilitynetwork.
 5. The gateway device of claim 1, wherein the facilitating thecommunication comprises facilitating the communication based on policydata received from a data store of the mobility network.
 6. The gatewaydevice of claim 1, wherein the facilitating the communication comprisesfacilitating the communication based on priority data indicative of apriority assigned to the internet of things device, and wherein thepriority data is received from a data store of the mobility network. 7.The gateway device of claim 1, wherein the communication enablescreation of a service across different vertical applications.
 8. Thegateway device of claim 1, wherein the communication is associated witha service level that has been determined based on an analysis of userpreference data.
 9. The gateway device of claim 1, wherein theoperations further comprise: storing the protocol data in a data storeof the gateway device.
 10. The gateway device of claim 1, wherein theoperations further comprise: storing, within a data store of the gatewaydevice, device information associated with the Internet of thingsdevice.
 11. The gateway device of claim 10, wherein the deviceinformation is indicative of a capability of the Internet of thingsdevice.
 12. The gateway device of claim 10, wherein the deviceinformation is indicative of the communication protocol supported by theInternet of things device.
 13. A method, comprising: determining, by agateway device comprising a processor, communication protocols supportedby Internet of things devices that are associated with a subscriberrelated to the gateway device, wherein the Internet of things devicesoperate without an internet protocol stack; in response to thedetermining, retrieving, by the gateway device, protocol data associatedwith the communication protocols from web servers, associated with therespective Internet of things devices; and in response to determiningthat a subscriber identity module based authentication response, thatauthorizes the gateway device to access a network device of a mobilitynetwork, is successful, facilitating, by the gateway device, acommunication between an Internet of things device of the Internet ofthings devices and a third-party application server in accordance withthe protocol data.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the facilitatingthe communication comprises mapping internet protocol data packets,received via the mobility network, to non-internet protocol data packetsthat are to be transmitted to the Internet of things device.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the mapping comprises mapping the internetprotocol data packets to the non-internet protocol data packets based onan internet protocol address pool allocated by a controller device ofthe mobility network.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein thefacilitating the communication comprises facilitating the communicationbased on user preference data received from a data store of the mobilitynetwork.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein facilitating thecommunication comprises facilitating the communication based on prioritydata received from a data store of the mobility network.
 18. The methodof claim 13, wherein facilitating the communication comprisesfacilitating the communication based on security data received from adata store of the mobility network.
 19. A machine-readable storagemedium, comprising executable instructions that, when executed by aprocessor of a gateway device, facilitate performance of operations,comprising: determining a communication protocol supported by anInternet of things device that is coupled to the gateway device, whereinthe Internet of things device communicates without an internet protocoladdress; and in response to the determining, storing protocol dataassociated with the communication protocol that has been received from aweb server associated with the Internet of things device, wherein theprotocol data is utilized to facilitate a communication between theInternet of things device and a communication device via a networkdevice of a mobility network, and wherein the communication isauthorized based on a subscriber identity module-based authenticationbetween the gateway device and an authentication server of the mobilitynetwork.
 20. The machine-readable storage medium of claim 19, whereinthe communication comprises a text message.